The United States has expressed strong criticism of Australia’s recent decision to recognise Palestine, a move that has elicited disappointment from senior officials within the Trump administration. Mike Huckabee, the US Ambassador to Israel, shared his sentiments during a segment on the program 7.30, stating that the decision was met with “disgust” among prominent figures in the US government.
Ambassador Huckabee conveyed that during discussions with President Donald Trump, the tone towards Australia’s recognition was predominantly negative. “There’s an enormous level of disappointment and some disgust,” Huckabee remarked, emphasizing that while the President may not have explicitly used the term “disgust,” it accurately reflects the feelings of many within the administration. He described the timing of Australia’s announcement as “terrible,” suggesting it undermines the prospects for negotiations in the ongoing conflict involving Hamas in Gaza.
The ambassador further elaborated on the implications of this decision, arguing that it could adversely affect hostages held by Hamas and hinder any potential peaceful resolution. “For this to come at a time like this, further endangering them and endangering any hopes of some peaceful resolution,” he stated, highlighting the precarious situation faced by those affected.
Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state aligns with similar commitments made by other nations, including France, Canada, and the United Kingdom, during the UN General Assembly in September. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed intentions to formalize this recognition, stating, “As Israel’s closest partner, we would have expected that there would have been some heads up.”
In further discussions on the matter, Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister, mentioned her conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the government’s plans. “As a matter of courtesy, I did want to give him advance notice of our announcement,” Wong explained.
The implications of this recognition extend beyond diplomatic relations. Earlier in the week, Wong warned that without international action, there may soon be “no Palestine left” to recognise. This statement raises concerns about the future of the region and the potential for escalation. In response to Wong’s comments, Huckabee suggested that Australia’s decision could inadvertently push Israel towards annexation of the West Bank. He referenced a non-binding motion passed by the Israeli Knesset in July, which called for such annexation.
Tensions have further escalated with statements from Israeli officials. On Thursday, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened to expand settlements outside of Jerusalem, declaring, “Those who try to recognise a Palestinian state will receive from us an answer on the ground.”
The humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza remains severe. As of October 2023, the Gaza Health Ministry reported a total of 235 hunger-related deaths, including 106 children, since the beginning of hostilities. In light of these developments, Huckabee defended Trump’s administration’s efforts to alleviate suffering in the region. He pointed to the establishment of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which was created to address hunger and provide assistance without allowing Hamas to seize aid supplies. According to the UN, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid since the GHF began operations, with half a million people facing famine and children under five at risk of acute malnutrition.
The growing complexities of the situation in Gaza, coupled with international diplomatic efforts, reflect the multifaceted challenges ahead. As nations navigate their stances on recognition and humanitarian aid, the potential for resolution in this longstanding conflict remains uncertain.
